Effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on electrical and mechanical activity of the rat epididymis in vitro.

Electrical and mechanical activity of the caput and cauda epididymidis were recorded at measured distances from the beginning and end of the epididymal duct. Oxytocin had no significant effects on the caput on cauda. Vasopressin increased significantly the frequency of the electrical activity in the caput and cauda and frequency of contractions and basal tension of the cauda at a dose of 4 X 10(-1) mU/ml and even more at a dose of 4 mU/ml. The maximal increase in frequency of activity was 70-90% in the cauda and about 35% in the caput.